Federal LEO?

[audi0xpl0de]

I'm currently applying to Federal LEO positions, but I'm wondering if I'm wasting my time. I figured I'd get some advice from veterans. I do not have any law enforcement background, but I do have a master's degree, as well as post-master's education. I have no criminal history, drug/alcohol use, or mental defects. The main question I have is do I have a chance in the Federal system or should I get experience first at the local/state level? Any advice that would increase my chances would greatly be appreciated. Thank you.

[Piggy]

With a masters degree and a clean record you should be able to get in. Good luck.

[cobravenom1]

All that education and you can't figure out if you have a good shot, Hmmmm. Where did you get edumacated?:D

[audi0xpl0de]

Thank you, I notice most of the jobs will substitute education with experience, but my main concern is no sworn duty experience.

[Switchback]

Hell, I got in as an 1811 with a BS and some national guard. (Sometimes, I think they will hire just about anyone)

[chewy]

Hell, I got in as an 1811 with a BS and some national guard. (Sometimes, I think they will hire just about anyone)

"a BS"??? how bout a LOT of BS!!! :D


I had some military/LE and got in as a non-1811. No college degree, now without a degree I'm basically screwed and can't get an investigator job. With a Masters you shouldn't have a problem even without any experience. For some reason the government thinks that a degree makes you a better agent than actual work experience... not sure why. Depends on the job you want too, some jobs like F&W, USFS are VERY hard to get into no matter what you have, others like ATF & ICE seem to always be hiring to meet their needs and it's easier as they are understaffed.

[audi0xpl0de]

Just to make sure I'm not missing anything. I just apply through USAJobs right? After I submit my resume, I usually fill out the supplemental questions and I'm done. I hope I'm not missing anything because I doubt they will contact me if I'm missing documents. Do I need to submit transcripts or will they request them if they feel I'm qualified? I don't believe ICE is currently hiring, but I'd love to get in there if possible. I'm sending some of my materials to the recruiting office tomorrow. Thanks again for all your help. The last thing I want to do is ask stupid questions, but I just want to be thorough.

[Piggy]

Just to make sure I'm not missing anything. I just apply through USAJobs right? After I submit my resume, I usually fill out the supplemental questions and I'm done. I hope I'm not missing anything because I doubt they will contact me if I'm missing documents. Do I need to submit transcripts or will they request them if they feel I'm qualified? I don't believe ICE is currently hiring, but I'd love to get in there if possible. I'm sending some of my materials to the recruiting office tomorrow. Thanks again for all your help. The last thing I want to do is ask stupid questions, but I just want to be thorough.

Follow the instructions to a 't' and you should be okay. It probably wouldn't hurt to put in your transcripts as I think they usually ask for them if you are going through education over experience.

Most places won't call you for missing documents, they just pitch your app, that's how most people seem to be eliminated.

If you read the instructions for that specific job, follow them the best you can. They will vary from job to job. Sometimes they will just want the basics, decide if you are qualified and then you will be contacted for additional documentation.

[SHSURobert]

Depends on the job you want too, some jobs like F&W, USFS are VERY hard to get into no matter what you have, others like ATF & ICE seem to always be hiring to meet their needs and it's easier as they are understaffed.

Reading the 911 forum makes it sound like getting an ATF job is like finding the holy grail, at least I was under that assumption. As long as you're saying it's possible for a college grad with limited experience, I'm happy. :D

[Maverick24]

Just to make sure I'm not missing anything. I just apply through USAJobs right? After I submit my resume, I usually fill out the supplemental questions and I'm done. I hope I'm not missing anything because I doubt they will contact me if I'm missing documents. Do I need to submit transcripts or will they request them if they feel I'm qualified? I don't believe ICE is currently hiring, but I'd love to get in there if possible. I'm sending some of my materials to the recruiting office tomorrow. Thanks again for all your help. The last thing I want to do is ask stupid questions, but I just want to be thorough.

USAJOBS is good for mostly OIG's (inspector general) SA positions, as well as smaller agencies that are usally tough to get. The USSS also has a posting there that never closes. Most of the big agencies FBI, DEA, ATF, ICE etc. Have their own announcements on their websites. That is the best place to start agency websites; all the processes are different in their own way. Do your research and start putting out apps. With the quals you listed you should at least meet the minimum reqs for most agencies.

[RT302]

The key to getting on with a federal job, or any job in LE for that matter, is diligence, persistence and patience.

Another factor is the ability and willingness to relocate around the country.

Another trick is to find out who the hiring official is and call them, introduce yourself and get a feel for what they are looking for. (this trick works in the land management agencies, but they are relatively small agencies [USFWS, NPS, BLM, USFS, etc]...)

When I got my first career-conditional position, I had 30+ applications out at the time. Never heard a word back on 80% of them. Prior to my first LE gig, I had no LE experience.

Hiring into the federal world can be done without prior experience.

Good luck!

In 11 days, you can have my current job;)

[smcc360]

I do not have any law enforcement background, but I do have a master's degree, as well as post-master's education. I have no criminal history, drug/alcohol use, or mental defects.

How old are you?

[Group9]

For federal LEO jobs, my motto is this. For qualified people, it's often easier to get the job than you would think. For unqualified people, it's harder to get the job than you would think.

You have nothing to lose by applying. :D

[audi0xpl0de]

I just turned 27.

[BP348]

With a Master's degree and a clean record you shouldn't have any problems. Just remember the process can take a looooooong time.

Not that it matters but what's your degree in?

It might help to check the different agencies web sites, plus the usajobs.

Which agency(ies) are you interested in?